My Bear to Heal (Cypress Valley Shifters #3)

18. Adelaide

I hum softly as I stir the wooden spoon through the thick sauce, coating the fresh veggies in the savory sweet goodness. It’s been a few days since Tyler and I had sex. I can still hear the deep rumble of him calling me his fuck toy. Warmth tinges my cheeks as I get lost in the memory of his possessively filthy words.

None of my exes ever called me such degrading things in the bedroom, but none of them blew my mind like Tyler did, either. He can call me his whore and his toy until he’s blue in the face if I get a double orgasm every time.

The only thing I want more than the seemingly endless supply of orgasms is his claiming mark. I’ve been letting him lead, not wanting to scare him away now that he’s finally mine. But I think it’s time we get some things about our past out in the open, so he knows I’m in this one-hundred percent.

“What are you making, sweet rose? Smells amazing.” A wall of heat encapsulates my body as he leans over me, his lips brushing the side of my neck. Skimming his nose up to my ear, his words tickle my flesh as he speaks. “But maybe that amazing smell is you?”

My answering whimper spills out when the blunt edges of his teeth clamp down on my earlobe. “I’m using the veggies you picked this morning to make stir-fry. It should be ready in a few minutes if you want to shower,” I manage to squeak out as he continues his assault of kisses on my neck.

“Don’t suppose I can convince you to join me, eh, darlin’?”

Leaning back into his hard chest, I contemplate letting the food burn and taking him up on his offer, but my stomach grumbles audibly. Resting the spoon on the side of the pan, I spin in his embrace and bounce onto my toes to smack my lips against his in a quick kiss. “Sorry, hotshot. Hunger overrules everything else. You don’t want to see me when I’m hangry. I promise.”

“Suit yourself.” He winks before backing away toward the bathroom. A slow smirk spreads across his face as those smoldering green eyes peruse my curves. Oh, so tempting, but if I don’t eat soon, I’ll turn into a total grouch.

Gertie hops around the kitchen, batting a small ball across the wood floor with her hooves. Tyler and the boys are building an obstacle course for her next to the chicken coop. To say the little pygmy goat has these three gruff bear shifters wrapped around her little hoof is the understatement of the century. It gives me a glimpse of what Ty will be like as a father someday.

My ovaries combust every time he coos to her or cuddles her small body in his big arms. He’s a natural caretaker. It shows when he’s with Benny and Will, and now Gertie. I can’t help but smile as she slips and slides across the floor, like a baby deer on ice. All uncoordinated gangly legs. Talk about cute.

“All clean.” Turning toward his voice, the smile melts off my face and lust ignites in my eyes as he saunters into the kitchen a short while later, wearing nothing but a pair of low-slung athletic shorts. Droplets of water drip from his damp hair down his tattooed chest. I nearly swallow my tongue as my gaze tracks one drop in particular as it rolls between his toned pec muscles and all the way down to the happy trail of hair bisecting his abs.

Fuck.

We haven’t had sex since that first night, too exhausted by the end of the day between taking care of the chickens and planting the field behind the greenhouse. I’ve also been helping Benny and Will with their homeschool lessons.

I can’t get distracted by his body right now. We need to have an adult conversation about our past, so we can have a future. Clearing my throat, I grab two bowls from the cupboard. “Can you put a shirt on, please?”

His answering chuckle makes my body hum with need. Focus, Addie.

“Am I distracting you, mate?” He knows exactly what he’s doing, letting his hand graze my ass as he walks to the living room. Thankfully, he obliges and grabs a hoodie from the back of the couch. Slipping it over his broad frame, he zips it closed over his ink-stained muscles at a torturously slow pace.

“Asshole,” I mutter, scooping rice and stir-fry into our bowls before following him to the small kitchen table.

“I wanted to talk to you about something,” I say, placing a bowl in front of him .

“Uh oh. That’s ominous. Is this the part where you dump me?” A forced laugh leaves his lips, and I instantly regret my word choice.

I can’t have his thoughts spiraling, so I clasp my fingers around his chin and force him to look at me. Leaning in close, I murmur against his lips. “It’s nothing bad.” I place a gentle kiss on his mouth. “I promise.”

Taking my seat, I organize my thoughts before speaking. “So, you knew we were fated mates the first time we met?”

“Yeah.” His cheeks flush and he scratches the back of his neck, eyes dropping to the tabletop. “Then I fucked everything up by kissing you.”

“Hey. Look at me. Please.” Deep green eyes, reminiscent of fresh grass coated in sparkling morning dew, lock on me. “You didn’t fuck anything up. Sure, it was a little out of left field when you kissed me, and maybe I reacted harshly. There’s always been this chemistry between us. I can’t deny that, but I could have talked to you rather than shutting you down immediately. And I’m sorry for that. But why didn’t you say anything back then? Why didn’t you tell me we were fated mates?”

“Would you have believed me if I did?”

His question catches me off guard. I’d known about the shifter population in Cypress Valley since Reese first showed up. Oak Ridge has always been an accepting place and welcomed the group of shifters. But does that mean I would have been receptive to immediately being claimed by one? “I guess I don’t know. And I’ll never know.”

He blows out a breath before stretching his hand across the table and threading his fingers through mine. “Maybe things worked out how they were supposed to. To be honest, I was so broken by Amber’s betrayal; I don’t know if I could have been the mate you needed—the mate you deserved—back then. My heart was in pieces when I showed up here. In hindsight, laying one on you right away probably wasn’t the best move, but maybe it set everything in motion to get us where we are today.” A winning smile lights up his face. He really is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, with his expressive eyes, chiseled cheekbones, and strong jaw. Add in the damp strands of hair spilling down to his shoulders and my poor heart never stood a chance.

“I guess fate works in mysterious ways. I’m glad we had a chance to bond as friends before things went further. You mean everything to me, Tyler. I hope you know that. And I’m ready for you to give me your mark… whenever you’re ready.”

“Ditto, sweet rose.” To drive home his point, he places a kiss on the back of my hand. “Eat up, darlin’. We still have time for a walk before sunset. Gertie has some energy to burn off.” At the sound of her name, the little hellion hops around our chairs, fluffy tail wiggling side to side with excitement.

I blink my eyes open. Sunlight beams through the wall of glass across from where I lay. Outside, the world is green and fresh, fern leaves growing right up to touch the windows. It’s like I’m living in some sort of fairytale enchanted forest .

The room is still and silent, apart from Gertie’s soft snores. Peeking over the side of the bed, my eyes linger on her fuzzy chest, rising and falling as she slumbers. Little hooves twitch occasionally, as if she’s dreaming. Combined with the man sleeping next to me, this is what I’ve wanted for so long. A family of my own. Some place I truly belong.

Yes, I love my dad, but it’s a different kind of love than what fills my heart when I’m with Tyler and Gertie.

This is where I’m meant to be.

There’s only one piece missing: my mate’s claiming mark on my skin and his knot stretching me wide open as he fills me with his seed. It’s something I’ve grown to crave over the past few days. The more time we spend together, the deeper the ache. And I’m tired of waiting. We cleared the air last night about our past, so this is the perfect opportunity to solidify our bond and move forward... together.

Rolling over, I take advantage of the quiet morning and let my eyes roam over Tyler’s features. Somehow, they’re softer in his sleep.

His strong brow is furrowed slightly, like he’s concentrating. I resist the urge to stroke my finger down the straight bridge of his nose; I don’t want him to wake up just yet. Thick curled lashes rest against his cheeks. A thin layer of stubble coats his square jaw, like he hasn’t bothered to shave in a few days. It makes him look more rugged, as though he truly is a mountain man.

Full lips part as a soft snore sneaks out. I stifle my giggle and bury my face against his chest. Leather and smoke instantly engulf my senses, warming my body and bringing my thoughts back to the other night—our first time .

He was so feral, so unhinged, as he fucked me within an inch of my life.

I’ve never had this soul-deep connection with any of my exes. It’s like our souls connected on some spiritual level… maybe it’s because we’re fated mates? Whatever it is, it’s magical, and I can’t wait to do it again.

Lifting my head again, my eyes wander over the tattoos on his chest. My finger traces the ferocious fangs of the grizzly bear tattooed on his pec. A sprawling landscape of pine trees wraps around the corded muscle of his shoulder before extending down his arm. Deer, birds, and other wildlife mix in between the trees. At his forearm, the ink changes over to wildflowers, some of the blooms sprinkling over the back of his hand.

Before my greedy eyes get a chance to admire the other arm, he groans and rolls me beneath him—suddenly wide awake. Glittering emeralds stare down at me, a wolfish grin on his full lips.

I run my hands up his neck and into his dark hair. The waves are soft and stream through my fingers like rushing water.

“Good morning, sweet rose.” The rough grit in his voice sends molten lava pooling in my core. Combined with the messy bed head and cocky smile, my pussy is leaking and begging for him.

“Morning, hotshot. How did you sleep?” My own voice is slightly raspy with sleep.

He nuzzles his nose against mine and nips at my lips. “Mmm… amazing. Having your warm body snuggled up close was heaven. We should probably do that every night.” There’s humor in his voice, but I slept pretty great, too, so I’m not going to argue with his logic. I’ve spent most nights here since we got together.

“Definitely. Although, we should probably get up. The chickens must be hungry. And Gertie probably needs to go out, too.” Our heads turn toward the goat in question, still out cold in her little bed.

“I think they can wait while I have a taste of my mate.” Suddenly, I’m flipped to my stomach, his rough hands on my hips, pulling them into the air.

He’s so dominant and commanding in bed. My body responds instantly as arousal gushes from my cunt.

Thick fingers rub between my folds. “You’re so responsive for me, darlin’.”

I moan as he pumps one finger, then two, in and out of my opening. “I was made for you, mate.”

A rumble fills the quiet morning air, the feral sound causing a shiver to coast through my body that has my nipples hardening.

Clutching my fist in the soft gray fabric of the sheets, I bury my face against the pillow and muffle my moans as he continues to torture me with his skilled fingers.

An open palm cracks against my ass cheek, pain splitting through the sensitive skin. I pop my head up, a shocked squeal tumbling from my mouth. “Nuh-ah, pretty girl. Don’t cover those moans. I wanna hear every noise that comes out of your beautiful mouth.” He rubs at my sore ass cheek until the pain ebbs to a slight burn that only intensifies the pleasure he’s creating between my legs.

I whine when his fingers retreat from my core. He chuckles as he kneels behind me, big hands spreading my dimpled ass cheeks wide. “Love this ass,” he all but growls. I peer over my shoulder in hopes of catching a glimpse of his ink-coated muscles.

My heart kicks up a notch as he lowers his mouth to one fleshy globe of my ass, biting into it gently, not enough to break the skin. The slight pinch against the skin has me rocking back against his face, seeking more. “Are you just going to tease me? Or do something with that big, beautiful cock of yours?” I wiggle my ass for effect, his stubble scraping against the sensitive flesh.

Thick fingers dig into the supple fat of each cheek, spreading me wide open for his hungry eyes as he straightens to his knees. “Can’t blame a guy for admiring the view. Have you ever played back here?”

At his question, the blunt tip of his finger drags through my slick pussy lips before trailing further back. With the glistening digit, he rims my back entrance before pressing against the tight ring of muscle. “Yes,” I reply with a moan.

“Do you like a thumb in your ass while you take a fat cock in your cunt, sweetheart?”

Holy shit . I can’t hold back my cry of pleasure as he pushes his finger inside, only one knuckle deep. But it’s enough to burn and stretch just the way I crave. “Yes. But right now, I need you inside me.”

“You need my cock, mate?” That damn finger in my ass pumps lazily while his other hand rubs at my clit. It’s pure blissful, agonizing torture. And the smug look on his face tells me he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

I nod, face rubbing against the soft, cool sheets. “Yes, Tyler. Fill me with your cock. Give me your knot. I’m ready.” My hands twist into the sheet as the bulbous head of his cock slips into my entrance, stretching me wide. “Please.”

“I’ll fuck you here some day, mate. Every part of you will be mine. But for now—” His finger slips from my ass as he thrusts deep into my pussy, knot slapping against my opening. Burying himself to the hilt, with a low, drawn-out growl.“Fuck, you’re so tight.”

The muscles in my pussy ripple around his thick length until they finally relax, and he begins thrusting in and out of me at a quick pace, hands still gripped tight around each of my ass cheeks.

At this angle, he’s so fucking deep, hitting my cervix with each snap of his powerful hips. My toes curl every time he bottoms out and there’s a slight pinch of pain… but the pain feels good, building the exquisite pressure in my core that will eventually tip me into orgasm.

An inferno engulfs my back as he leans forward, callused hands snaking underneath my body and pulling me up against his chest. Brutal hands cup my breasts, the fingers twisting and tugging at my nipples until I’m a panting mess.

My juices trickle down my thighs. I’ve never been this turned on in my life. He brings out this wanton, insatiable side of me.

One hand wraps around my throat with a gentle squeeze, caging me against him as his thrusts turn punishing. The other hand snakes around my soft belly in a possessive hold that has lightning shooting through my veins. “You’re so sexy, darlin’. Everything I’ve ever wanted. Soft and plush. Made to take my cock.”

My hands shake, scrambling to find purchase as he pounds into me from behind.

Finally, one hand latches onto the roots of his hair, forcing his lips to the sensitive spot where my neck and shoulder meet. His teeth scrape the flesh until I’m mewling in ecstasy.

My free hand wraps around his wrist, holding his hand in place around my neck. Something about his tattooed fingers squeezing the sides of my throat sets my body on fire, and I’d happily burn alive if it means crashing into euphoria with him over and over for the rest of time.

“That’s it, sweet rose,” he growls against the heated skin of my neck as my moans grow louder. His hot panting breath warms the flesh further. “Be a good girl and come on my cock. Mark me with your come like my good fucking girl.”

Ripping my hand from his hair, he places my fingers over my clit, pushing down until my cunt clamps around his shaft. “Just like that, darlin’. Milk my cock.”

The pure male confidence in his voice sends me tumbling over the edge, free-falling into the abyss of pleasure. It goes on for what feels like forever, until my body is a puddle and bliss ebbs in my veins.

Somewhere along the way, Tyler lays me on the bed, pulling my hips up further as he continues to pound into me. His hand scorches a path up my spine to tangle in the back of my hair, pressing my cheek further against the mattress. “Fuck, your pussy is perfect. You were made for me, my little toy.”

“Yes.”

With each thrust, his cock rams so deep inside me, I’m teetering on a knife’s edge between pleasure and pain. His knot taunts me, pressing against my outer lips, but never sliding inside. The anticipation only adds fuel to the fire in my veins.

“Ty, please. Use me. Fill me.” I wiggle a hand between my torso and the bed, snaking it down between my legs in search of my abused clit. The sensitive flesh throbs, but I want to come with my mate. “Bite me, mate.”

A ferocious growl booms from his chest as he pulls out of me. “Wha—”

I’m flipped to my back, caged between his arms as the thick muscles bunch. My mate looms over me, liquid emerald eyes boring down on me. I’ve never seen this look in his eyes before. It’s like his bear is near the surface, pacing behind his irises. Another growl rumbles out of Tyler. “Say it again.”

My lips part, tongue darting out to wet the dry skin.

“Bite me, mate. I told you last night, I’m ready. Please.” I trail off on a moan as his hand wraps around my neck again, the rose tattoo on his hand mirroring the one tattooed on his neck. “Give me your knot and your mark. Finish what you started… Claim me for good,” I add, testing the waters.

With his free hand, he lines his slick cock up with my entrance. Wetness trickles out of my opening, anticipation of his bite filling my veins. My heart skyrockets as he slams home with a feral groan, his knot slipping inside, too.

“Oh my god!” I wail as my channel burns, the flesh slowly stretching to accommodate his knot.

Tyler lays his body on top of mine, bracing on his forearms, the hard muscle of his body moving against the soft cushion of mine. His sweat-slicked forehead rests against mine as we lock eyes and he begins to thrust. “Holy shit, Addie. You feel amazing.”

I smile and tilt my mouth up to his, my tongue slowly trailing across his lips until he opens for me. Our mouths dance as our hips collide, pleasure leaking from every pore of my body. “Bite me, Ty. Then fill me with your come,” I whisper against his kiss-swollen lips before pulling the bottom one between my teeth.

“As you wish, my sweet rose.” He kisses from the corner of my mouth down my neck, coming to a stop over my collarbone. “Here?” Blunt teeth nip at the skin, forcing my back to arch and a whine to spill from my throat.

“Yes.”

That one word is all the permission he needs to strike. His teeth bury into my collarbone as his hips lose rhythm, thrusting hard and fast until I shatter on a scream.

His moans flow into my bloodstream as the mating bite cements into place. The pleasure in my veins grows exponentially, magnified by Tyler’s orgasm barreling down our newly solidified mate bond.

“Holy shit,” I moan, another wave of my own orgasm rippling through me.

Fresh blood coats his lips when he pulls back to look at me. One glance and I’m feral. Something about my blood on his perfect mouth sets me off. I grip the sides of his face and slam my mouth to his. The coppery tang of my blood invades my nose and mouth. I lap at his lips, trying to get more of the salty taste.

“I love you,” I mumble between kisses, not able to hold the words inside a second longer .

His mouth curves into a smile as I continue to kiss him. “I fucking love you, Adelaide Rose. So much.”

When I pull back, I swear his eyes glow like Christmas lights. He’s beautiful. Wild, wavy hair tumbling around us. Skin flushed and glistening. And my blood drying on his lips.

With impressive ease, Tyler rolls to his side so we’re face to face, his knot still pulsing inside me.

“Was that too much?” Dark brows draw together, a deep V forming between them.

I shake my head, fingers coming to his face to smooth the crease between his brows until his face relaxes. “Ty, we’ve wasted the past two years. I’m done wasting time when it comes to you.”

A beaming smile lights up his entire face. Those mossy eyes sparkling like rare diamonds. “Good. Because I’m in this with you forever. I want everything with you, Addie.”

Tears well in my eyes, threatening to spill over, as his sweet words fill my already thumping heart. Strong arms wrap around my worn out body and I snuggle against his broad chest.

A soft snort sounds from the corner of the room. Tyler laughs as he glances over my shoulder. “That goat will sleep through anything.”

Sure enough, Gertie is still passed out in her bed, totally oblivious to the filthy way Tyler just used my body.

“Better be careful, or she’ll hop up here and lick your butt while you’re balls deep.”

His eyes widen to a comical size, mouth falling open. Schooling his features, he clears his throat. “New house rule: Gertie sleeps in the living room. ”

Our combined laughter fills the room as we snuggle together and wait for his knot to deflate. With the kaleidoscope of sunshine dancing through the window on the gentle summer breeze, it’s pure bliss.